Best topo maps

[TheObserver]

Looking to grab some detailed topo maps of a smaller area say the size of a MU or a couple, would I contact forestry or where is a good place to go?

[MRP]

Good luck, I don’t think they print the any more. Gave all mine to a low tech friend. Lots of apps out there that can load maps or even satellite images. Copy or screenshot and print your own.

[VLD43]

There are some places on the net you can order them from.

[Frank grimes]

I got some from a place in Calgary. Can’t remember the website, but they are pretty good. Printed on a waterproof type paper. They weren’t very expensive either.

[Festus]

Good luck, I don’t think they print the any more. Gave all mine to a low tech friend. Lots of apps out there that can load maps or even satellite images. Copy or screenshot and print your own.
Can you please share the names of those apps. Everything I read as to backpacking and hiking is to use topo maps and compass but pretty hard learning to use together when they aren’t accessible. Thanks.

[Frank grimes]

Can you please share the names of those apps. Everything I read as to backpacking and hiking is to use topo maps and compass but pretty hard learning to use together when they aren’t accessible. Thanks.

there’s a place downtown Kamloops the will print off maps for you.
universal reproductions I think it’s called. They also sell good compass’s and other survey field supplies.

[MRP]

Ihunter is a easy one, Canada maps, Canada topo, BAMB.

[J_T]

When I need maps for a new area I:
1) use google maps to take a screen shot of the approximate area
2) create a more accurate square over the area I am interested in (from 1kmx1km to 50kmx50km large area)
3) send an email to Front Counter with my jpg image
4) list the features I want shown on the map
5) 1:20 contours, air imagery, lakes, rivers, streams, trails, roads, highways, private land, crown... a 500metre UTM NAD 83 grid, and georeferenced so it works on my Avenza app
6) I order two of the same maps, one with contours, one with air imagery.

Usually have it back in about 2 hours. Of course, I know what I want and I know a guy, who knows a guy.... might make a difference.

[mike31154]

I have a bunch of 1:20,000 topos in pdf that I downloaded from somewhere. GeoBC I think, produced by the Ministry of Forests. If you know the area or map # you need, shoot me a pm & I'll see if I have it. An example of a map # is 082L034 which is just north of Vernon showing Swan Lake, Spallumcheen & north end of Okanagan Lake.

Or check these links & do some diggin'...

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/data/geographic-data-services/topographic-data/raster-base-maps

https://pub.data.gov.bc.ca/datasets/177864/pdf/

[islandarcher]

I have bought them from here before. you can get them on tyvek or a waterproof poly.

https://www.canmaps.com/topo/buy-topo-maps/waterproof-paper/250k/092p.htm

Back roads mapbooks also sells single sheets of map pages on a water proof/resistant paper. They are well detailed and a pretty good value.

[Roboduck]

I have a bunch of 1:20,000 topos in pdf that I downloaded from somewhere. GeoBC I think, produced by the Ministry of Forests. If you know the area or map # you need, shoot me a pm & I'll see if I have it. An example of a map # is 082L034 which is just north of Vernon showing Swan Lake, Spallumcheen & north end of Okanagan Lake.

Or check these links & do some diggin'...

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/data/geographic-data-services/topographic-data/raster-base-maps

https://pub.data.gov.bc.ca/datasets/177864/pdf/


GeoBC is where I get mine from too. Thankful we have a plotter at work so I can print the maps I want full-size.

[MOUNTAIN MICKEY]

GAIA app will probably work for topo maps.

[Vit32]

Checkout "BackRoadMapbook" website. They have few options to go with. They can do custom topo maps, if I understand correctly (paper & waterproof).
https://www.backroadmapbooks.com/products/hunting-with-brmb-custom-topos/
They also have "Atlas" type of map....
There are also topo maps for "Canada" and one call "Canada" where you can download only selected area....
"Hunt Buddy" app also offering some options for Topo...

[Helly Hunter]

Backroad MapBook app is probably the best out there...

BRMB has an update feature to let users update the changing terrain and are running a 30 year anniversary contest giveaway to encourage participation. I think it's a great way to help out our community and prevent ppl from finding out a road is washed out 40k out the hard way!

Here's a link if you haven't checked them out yet or signed up, I definitely think the PRO version is worth every penny, even the basic free version is amazing, sceptics prove me wrong!

www.brmbmaps.com/adventure-challenge?referral=26665

[CAC]

OsmAnd offline free topo and many other. Used it for many years.

https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.osmand.plus/

[mike31154]

OsmAnd offline free topo and many other. Used it for many years.

https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.osmand.plus/

Just had a quick look at the app & the free version doesn't include topo. Seems quite feature rich with many options for navigation. I can see it being useful as a general app for driving etc. For serious recreational backcountry use I will stick with my Garmin Monana.

I believe the OP is looking for paper maps. They can be invaluable when the electronics let you down.

[high horse Hal]

Looking to grab some detailed topo maps of a smaller area say the size of a MU or a couple, would I contact forestry or where is a good place to go?if you go to the office and talk to the local forester you may be able to get a forest cover map covering a reasonable area. They are great for showing new blocks regen fires perimeters etc

[RainyLaker]

I use this. https://a100.gov.bc.ca/ext/mtec/public/products/mapsheet. 1:20:000. Everything I need for sure.

Printed four black and white maps for under $50.